LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Stop sign removal plan doesn’t get the green light
To the Editor:

In response to Mr. Heinz Nitschke’s letter of Jan. 26 in The Standard concerning the removal of stop signs in Uxbridge. I too attended the information meeting regarding the concerns of this initiative and respect Mr. Nitschke’s concerns regarding environmental hazards due to frequent stops. I, too, feel that as citizens it is important to do what we can to make this world a better place for the next generation. I also believe that sometimes the issue isn’t as cut and dried as Mr. Nitschke would lead readers to believe.
_I live on Bolton Dr., one of the streets that will be affected by the removal of two stop signs. If you live on Bolton Dr., you know that it is a curving downhill grade road that lends itself to excessive speed (even with the stop signs). You will also know that it is a subdivision that has many young children that use the sidewalks and park areas adjacent to that street. There are also two mail box stations within the scope of those two stop signs that are frequently used by residents and children.
_Mr. Nitschke states that stop signs should only be used in high traffic areas and not for pedestrian safety or to slow traffic. I would agree with him if this were a perfect world. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need stop signs because everyone would remember the rules of the road and cautiously enter an intersection with courtesy. In a perfect world, drivers would obey the speed limit signs and be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles surrounding them. In a perfect world, pedestrians and children wouldn’t step out onto a road without observing the traffic and children would not chase after balls that roll out onto roads.
_Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world, and sometimes a stop sign is a necessity to remind us of this.
_And yes, as Mr. Nitschke states, radar could slow down speeders that abuse the limits. The reality is that the Durham police do not have the staff to enforce those laws.
_Mr. Nitschke sites the roundabout at Durham 8 and the 6th concession as being “brilliant” and stop signs “stupid.” I supported the installation of the roundabout as a viable option for that intersection. But is it perfect? Absolutely not! On many occasions I have observed vehicles stopped in the roundabout and, if the traffic is busy, many times there is a lineup of stopped vehicles waiting to get into it. Again, not a perfect world.
_I respect Mr. Nitschke’s opinion. I only ask that he look at the whole picture and to place himself in the shoes of a resident who lives on Bolton Dr. within the subdivision of Quaker Village.
_Yes. Some stop signs in town could be removed - but not at the expense of the safety of our citizens. And certainly the residents of Bolton Dr., who will be affected by the removal of the stop signs, should be able to have their voice and concerns considered over those that who not live on the street.

Lorie Winter, Uxbridge

Ice safety upgrades needed
To the Editor:

I am absolutely astounded by the risks taken by those people venturing out on the ice of Lake Scugog recently, whether on foot or machines. They endanger not only themselves but the rescue teams who must respond to the situation when they go through the ice.
_I would like to suggest that the appropriate knowledgeable authorities post the ice conditions simply as ‘Safe’ or ‘Unsafe’ on highly visible signage at public access points. Also, for those who would travel into Port Perry for fun on the ice, there could be a recorded message at a phone number they could call, updated daily to reflect the ice conditions.
_If people decide to ignore an ‘Unsafe’ warning, they should risk fines. Better that than paying the ultimate price or letting someone else risk all.

Pat Cowdell, Scugog